Welcome to Nikos Kazantzakis Airport

The official name is the Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, named after the famous Cretan writer best known for “Zorba the Greek”. It is frequently referred to as Heraklion Airport. Additionally, the airport is known by other variations such as Iraklio, Iraklion, and Heraclion.

Airport Code

The airport code is HER, which should appear on your baggage claim checks if you are checking luggage through Heraklion. This code makes it easy to identify your flight details at this bustling airport.

Airlines

Many airlines operate at Heraklion Airport; however, only a few operate year-round. These include:

• Aegean Airlines
• Olympic Airways
• SAS

Furthermore, various seasonal routes and charter services are available from June to September, including:

• Thomas Cook Airlines
• Germania
• Air Berlin
• Air Serbia
• Air Slovakia
• Smartwings
• Ellinair

Baggage Check Service at Heraklion

If you’re looking to store your baggage for several hours, the baggage check kiosk is conveniently located in the parking lot. A few Euros per bag can keep your belongings safe in a secure area. This facility currently operates 24 hours a day; however, it’s advisable to confirm its operating hours when you plan to use it. After midnight, you’ll incur an additional charge for your bags if they are not collected. Although it’s not the cheapest option, usually pricing around twelve Euros, it significantly enhances your ability to explore Heraklion without luggage burdens. With the city just twenty minutes away and costing half a Euro, this is a much better alternative than waiting around at the airport.

Flight Information

Flight information for Heraklion Airport can be found on the official airport website. The airport is frequented by major airlines across Europe. Aegean Airlines predominates the route schedules; however, numerous flights also connect Heraklion to most European capitals and various locations in the Middle East.

Bus Service to Heraklion

The 78 Service or #1 bus is an economical option, costing 1 Euro and taking about twenty minutes to reach central Heraklion. One of its stops is conveniently located near the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, which has recently reopened after renovations. This area is close to several small hotels, including the Capsis Hotel, a moderately-sized business-class option. Taxi services are also available near the museum for additional convenience.

Moreover, the #1 bus can drop you off within walking distance of Bus Terminal B, which provides longer distance options to the eastern and western parts of the island. Alternatively, you can continue to Bus Terminal A, which connects travelers to the south coast of Crete, including the well-known beach town of Matala.